stratify

[ strat-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, strat·i·fied, strat·i·fy·ing.

1. to form or place in strata or layers.
2. to preserve or germinate (seeds) by placing them between layers of earth.
3. Sociology. to arrange in a hierarchical order, especially according to graded status levels.

verb (used without object)

, strat·i·fied, strat·i·fy·ing.

1. to form strata.
2. Geology. to lie in beds or layers.
3. Sociology. to develop hierarchically, especially as graded status levels.

stratify

/ ˈstrætɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to form or be formed in layers or strata
2. tr to preserve or render fertile (seeds) by storing between layers of sand or earth
3. sociol to divide (a society) into horizontal status groups or (of a society) to develop such groups

Derived Forms

• ˈstratiˌfied, adjective

Other Words From

• de-strati·fy verb (used with object) destratified destratifying
• multi·strati·fied adjective
• non·strati·fied adjective
• semi·strati·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratify¹

1655–65; modeled on New Latin strātificāre, equivalent to strāti- strati- + -ficāre -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratify¹

C17: from French stratifier, from New Latin stratificāre, from Latin stratum

Example Sentences

“They saw very complex stratified societies with monumental architecture and public works, but all without so-called agriculture,” she says, which they cited as a justification for colonizing “unused” lands.

From Science Magazine

They tend to have a much harder time ascending the stratified ranks of culture and politics, becoming the published authors and elected officials who might provide representational equality.

From Salon

The researchers envision a future when the germline genome is used to further stratify the 11 breast cancer subtypes identified by Curtis to guide treatment decisions and improve prognoses and monitoring for recurrence.

From Science Daily

"Although it was not easy to elucidate the mechanism from the results of numerous calculations, we used multiple linear regression and stratified analysis through trial and error," Professor Uesugi stated.

From Science Daily

But how likely is it that America’s voters, with so many other priorities and such stratified media, will be educated with clarity by anything other than a black-and-white verdict of innocence or guilt?

From Salon